This year we saw a lot of foreign celebrities and dignitaries grace our nation and partake in our tourism. This global attention got us a place in the Forbes 10 Underrated Destinations in 2020 article. Though they cited Lagos as the place to visit (because of its many appeals), there are other places in Nigeria to watch out for.
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Here are our top 5 picks:
Private Beaches
Already, the likes of Inagbe Resort and La Campagne Tropicana played host to a lot of inbound tourists this year. Just getting a boat ride to these locations is enough excitement. Then some waters are calm enough for kayaking, snorkelling and jet skiing.
Expect a throng at private beaches like Ilashe Beach which offer privacy and cool scenery. Takwa Bay offers a lot to surfers and Suntan Beach has something for visitors looking for a fishing expedition. Not to mention taking of awesome photographs with the sandy shores and palm trees; going horse riding and enjoying the beach food like fresh coconut drinks or suya. So there are lots of reasons tourists will flock to beaches in 2020.
Nature Conservation Centres
Lekki Conservation Centre is renowned for having the longest canopy walkway in Africa. The serenity and beauty of nature in a busy, tech driven world, is what makes nature conservation centres appealing. They draw you in to go bird watching, see wildlife, and reflect. That’s why companies are holding retreats at nature conservation centres like Lekki and Lufasi conservation centres.
Ado Awaye Lake
Being the only suspended lake in Africa and the second in the world, Ado Awaye Lake is truly special. The hike up the suspending mountain through 369 steps and a bush path to reach this green lake is not for the fainthearted. The folklore surrounding this spot and its picturesque view are also part of its charm. Its proximity to Lagos puts it on the radar for tourists who want a multi day tour in Nigeria while in Lagos.
Osun-Oshogbo Sacred Grove
With the word ‘Orisha’ becoming popular, thanks to Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone trilogy in the making, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove might see a new influx of tourists. This temple of Orisha is tucked away in a forest along with its ancient sculptures, shrines, and animal sanctuary. The wildlife here includes alligators, snakes, monkeys, and antelopes.
If you visit in August, you might witness the festival held here in honour of the fertility deity. As one of the official two UNESCO World Heritage centres in Nigeria, this place is a treasure trove of cultural tourism. Because it is the home of the Yoruba god of fertility, Osun, we expect tourists to visit this spot with a guide.
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Afi Mountain Drill Ranch
This spot is a slam dunk for eco tourism and endangered primate lovers. Its proximity to the Cross River National Park makes it a two in one location for tourists. You get to see rehabilitated drill monkeys, gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat, complete with the forest and Afi River. This place is also important for migratory birds so bird watching can be done here too. Tourists get to have close contact with the animals, walk the rainforest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the area, and stay in nice accommodations.
Nevertheless, there are so many places that could have made this list like the floating Makoko Village, Idanre Hills, canoeing down Epe, and the Mount Gishiri/Kantankpe Hills which are famed for being the centre of Nigeria.
Which 5 spots do you think tourists should watch out for in 2020?
Featured image source: Inspirock
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